Seven senior internationals have been named in the Fiji Giants rugby squad to compete in this weekend's Brisbane Global Tens.
Prop forwards Joeli Veitayaki, Mosese Ducivaki, Kalivati Tawake, hooker Ratunaisa Navuma, captain and lock Mosese Voka and halfbacks Serupepeli Vularika and Frank Lomani all have previous international experience with the Flying Fijians national team.
The Barbarians' Luke Whitelock is tackled by Fiji's Mosese Voka, who will captain the Fiji Giants in the Brisbane Tens. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand based lock Viliame Rarasea, who played for Counties Manakau in the Mitre 10 Cup, has also been selected while coach Senirusi Seruvakula said former Queensland Reds midfielder Chris Kuridrani, the brother of Nemani Nadolo, will also join the team for their debut appearance in the hybrid format.
"It's a totally new side made up of some overseas players and some of the guys that we've identified during the provincial tens which happened in Suva (and) we still have some of the Drua team that are still with us," he said.
Chris Kuridrani playing for the Queensland Reds in 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Fiji Giants (Tuwawa) will face the Brumbies, Crusaders and Hurricanes in the "pool of death" this weekend and Senirusi Seruvakula said it was a great chance to make a statement.
"I think the message for them is that going into this tournament they have to express themselves and gain exposure and confidence as we go on and this is a good two week tour, that we're playing in the Ballymore Tens and the following week playing against the Queensland Reds (Super Rugby team)," he said.
"It's a great exposure for these boys to be playing in a tougher competition and playing against Super Rugby (players) as like we did last year in the NRC.
Brisbane Global Tens trophy. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"It will lift their rugby and it's a pathway and a good pathway for the locals. For the boys who are just playing at home and not getting an overseas contract but it's (a chance) to express themselves and show how talented they are playing against professional rugby players.
"And there's always opportunities for them to get contracts by playing against these professional teams."
Fiji squad:
Prop - Joeli Veitayaki, Mosese Ducivaki, Kalivati Tawake, Eroni Mawi, Timoci Sauvoli
Hooker - Ratunaisa Navuma, Vesi Rarawa, Veremalua Vugakoto
Locks/Loose Forward - Fabiano Rogovakalali, Levani Kurimudu, Viliame Rarasea, Albert Tuisue, Mosese Voka (c), Peni Raidre, Filimoni Seru
Halfback - Serupepeli Vularika, Frank Lomani
First Five - Jone Manu
Centre - Ifereimi Tovilevu, Lepani Raiyala, Penasio Kunabuli, Enele Malele, Chris Kuridrani
Wing/Fullback - Aporosa Tabulawaki, Timoci Sinate, Inia Tawalo
